8ID responds to calamity needs in Samar and Leyte

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Continuous rain that started in New Year’s Eve up to present had brought some of the places in Samar and Leyte Islands to sink in a deep flood while some experience minor and major landslides.

In Samar island, reports that had reached to this command divulged that there are five (5) sections of the Taft-Buray road which are inundated by three feet to five feet water flood of Barangay Binaloan, Malinao, San Pablo, Mabuhay and Burak all of Taft, Eastern Samar. Some vehicle cannot exceed even the military vehicle on the said areas.

The Disaster Relief and Rescue Unit (DRRU) of the Army’s 801^st Infantry Brigade in coordination with the Local Government Unit of the concerned municipality had already made necessary actions.

Trainees of Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operations Course (JWMOC) who are based in Hinabangan with some crews of Provincial Public Works and Highways (PPWH) in Samar were able to clear off the mud and rocks that covered the road net in Brgy San Rafael West and made it partially passable at about 11:30 in the morning. Complete clearing will be conducted the next day.

On the other hand, Loop de Loop detachment of 52^nd Cadre Battalion and 14^th Infantry Battalion, respectively unmindful of their safety and heavy rains, were able to immediately deploy their troops to assist the trapped commuters but no possible evacuation of the trapped commuters thereat.

In Southern Leyte, a separate report from R3, PNP Region 8 disclosed that landslides had occurred at Purok 4, Brgy Bolod-Bolod, St Bernard at about 1:30 in the afternoon that buried two (2) households with three casualties.

Combined personnel of PNP St Bernard and 2^nd Platoon of SL PPSC led by P/Insp Bernardino had already conducted initial search and rescue operation that resulted to unearthing of two (2) dead bodies that was later found out to be Fatima and Rodel Escairal, 5 and 1 year old, respectively while Jordan Laquipon, 1 year old is reported missing.

Other residents near the area were already evacuated in safer ground and now under custody of St Bernard Municipal Disaster Coordinating Committee. Search and rescue operation are still on going for the other missing victim.

Furthermore, 19^th Infantry Battalion lately reported that another landslide had occurred at Brgy Kawayan, Libagon town of same province that made the road from and to Liloan town impassable. Buses and other means of land transportation are reportedly stranded on the said place. 19IB had already deployed its troops to provide necessary assistance in the affected area. Troops are still in the area as of press time.

Meanwhile, the commander of the Army’s 8^th Infantry Division Major General Mario Chan ordered his Commandant to prepare the Command’s DRRU to augment the troops who are conducting search and rescue operations in the affected areas.

Equipped with their DRRU equipment such as shovels, floating vests, ropes and other digging and floating devices, the Company size DRRU were formed stand by at the command’s grandstand ready to move on call for any deployment in any place of Region 8.###

Civilian survivors dismiss Salas’s statements as total lies

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Civilian survivors dismissed the statement of Santiago Salas, a discharged priest turned spokesman of the National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas (NDF-EV) as a total lie for making a story far apart from what really transpired when soldiers and civilians were brutally and mercilessly murdered by the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in two separate incidents in Las Navas on December 8 and 14, respectively that claimed lives not only of the soldiers but of the innocent civilians.

As what is expected, the NDF-EV made a total denial and washes their hands after intentionally waylaying soldiers who were not in the offensive mode despite of civilians around. Two (2) civilians were killed in the first ambush while one (1) in the second. Two among the three who were killed were minors.

These lies were challenge by the angry survivors who saw for themselves how ruthless the NPA terrorists were. According to them, despite of their beggings, the rebels kept on firing on them. One survivor even dramatized how he and his companions waved their arms widely open while shouting, “Tama na! Tama na! Mga sibilyan kami!” (Enough! Enough! We are civilians!). He was already slightly wounded that moment when he was shouting for mercy at the rebels. The father of the murdered minor, the operator of motorized banca said that he saw his son banished under the river’s current after falling over board when his boat was indiscriminately fired upon by the terrorists.

The victims are crying for justice. Justice from the inhuman and dastardly acts of the NPA who profess to be the protector of the masses. But the truth is crystal clear. They (NPA) are the tormentor and oppressor of the people. Salas, is truly a master of black propaganda and deception aimed at misleading the masses of the real truth.

"Salas should thank the AFP's serious protection and preservation of the people’s rights so he can enjoy freedom of expression. Sad thing is, Salas uses this right to steal the truth from the people and has been committing grave offense to the people by suppressing their rights to know the truth."

Salas is also being hooked up his tongue when he claimed that the troops forcibly boarded the motorized banca owned by Julito Casio. Salas obviously didn’t know what is happening in the ground. Casio, in behalf of the residents of Brgy Poponton, was the one who sought assistance from the troops for the conduct of Barangay Peace and Order Council (BPOC) meeting in reaction to the threat posed by the NPA after they mercilessly murdered a local resident Torib Diaz, and dumped his dead body in Hinaga river in Poponton.

When the communist terrorists open fired at the approaching banca, Casio was one among the passengers who was hit by the first burst of fire and died instantaneously. One soldier was killed and two others were wounded because the terrorist kept on firing them even though they have already jumped into the river which is a total violation of Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) signed between the government and communist rebels particularly the provision in Part IV, Article 4, Section 2 which states that, “the wounded and the sick shall be collected and cared for by the party to the armed conflict which has them in its custody or responsibility”. Moreover, Article 3, Section 4 which states that, “desecration of the remains of those who have died in the course of armed conflict or while under detention, and breach of duty to tender immediately such remains to their families or to give them decent burial,” was also violated when the ten soldiers killed in a landmine ambush in adjacent of Brgy. Perez, Las Navas, were looted and left behind like slaughtered animals by the rebels.

With these inhuman acts, Salas as well as his brutal cohorts is guilty of violating the peoples’ rights.

The people are no longer passive component in an insurgency problem. They are intelligent enough to see what is the real face of the CPP-NPA NDF. Especially now that the people of Northern Samar cries for justice for the countless violation of human rights perpetrated by the terrorist NPA. Noteworthy to mention are the policemen who were busted by landmines in Imelda, Catarman while responding to a security problem in the barangay, the killing of unarmed soldiers bathing in the water fall in Las Navas by NPA snipers, the river-line amsbush of unarmed soldiers and civilians in Brgy Taylor also in Las Navas, and the treacherous landmine ambush of ten soldiers whose only intention is to secure the people in the far-away barrio against the oppression of the rebels.

The Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) of the CARHRIHL should investigate the increasing human rights violations of the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF in Northern Samar. May justice be the crowning glory of these people and soldiers who were victims of the massive anti-human rights campaign of the CPP-NPA-NDF. ###

SND and other GRP’s top official bids honor to the fallen soldiers in Northern Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The Secretary to the Defense Department and four (4) other government’s top officials landed today in Catarman, Northern Samar to visit the wake of the ten (10) soldiers who were treacherously waylaid by the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in the outskirts of Brgy Perez, Las Navas town last 14 December two days before the government’s declaration for cease fire.

Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the Defense Department is being accompanied by Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP); Atty Alexander Padilla, the Chief Negotiator of the GRP Peace Panel; AFP Chief General Ricardo David; Army Chief Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz to personally condole the bereaved families of victims of the most recent atrocity perpetrated by the terrorist NPA in Eastern Visayas.

The visiting government officials were welcomed at the Catarman Airport by Governor Paul Daza of Northern Samar and Major General Mario Chan and Colonel Oscar Lopez, the commander of the 8^th Infantry Division and 803^rd Infantry Brigade, respectively.

It can be recalled that troops were marching off “back to barracks” to observe the government’s declaration of suspension of military operations (SOMO) for the Yuletide season when the terrorist NPA ambushed them using destructive improvised mines. As a result, two (2) soldiers were seriously wounded and ten (10) others were brutally killed. One innocent minor Joven Cabe was also murdered who was just swimming in the river banks after hitting shrapnel from the exploded mine.

Gazmin and other top officials paid their last honor to the fallen comrades who rendered the supreme sacrifice of offering their lives for the sake of peace, freedom and democracy. They also gave due recognition to the wounded troops confined at Northern Samar Provincial Hospital who miraculously survived in the brutal massacre perpetrated by the terrorist NPA.

Meanwhile, different human rights advocates have already started condemning the CPP-NPA-NDF with their consistent violation of the terrorist human rights and international humanitarian law.

Some groups who are greatly dismayed with how the terrorist advances their so called revolutionary struggles are now calling out for mobilization to stand firm against these terrorist in support to the lamentation of the bereaved families of the fallen soldiers.

The remains of the ten (10) gallant men of the Army’s 63^rd Infantry Battalion lie in state at St Francis Chapel, Camp Sumoroy, Brgy Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar.

“These soldiers died a glorious death for God, country and people. They fought it out to the last and they have won over evil. They have won in protecting you… For you to continue enjoying the fruit of democracy and freedom,” says Major General Chan.

He further call upon the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) that monitors the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) to look after the incident and let the culprits be charged with the full force of the law as deemed necessary to include all other CARHRIHL violations of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

The human rights groups in Northern Samar also call to translate our silence to a loud voice of support to the heroism of these soldiers and of all of the victims of the NPA’s human rights violation. They are also calling to denounce and condemn the CPP-NPA-NDF and to make a firm stand for the sake of our children and our children’s children. ###

8ID: ‘NDF is not sincere for peace talk’

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The recent pronouncement of the National Democratic Front’s (NDF) demand for peace talk is a mere ploy to advance their offensives against the government.

With the newest atrocity perpetrated by the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas, it shows that CPP-NPA-NDF upsurges their expert uses of lies and propaganda to steal glory against the people and the state.

In Leyte province, troops of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion on board two (2) vehicles on their way to their camp to adhere to the suspension of military operations (SOMO) were fired upon by the undetermined number of communist terrorist somewhere in Brgy Candigahob, Carigara town, around 9 p.m. last night. Fortunately, no one was reported hurt in the incident.

In Northern Samar, around 3 p.m. yesterday in the boundary of Brgys Sta. Fe and Perez all of Las Navas town, undetermined number of rebels waylaid the withdrawing troops who are supposed to “back to barracks” to observe the government’s declaration of SOMO for the Yuletide seasons and to give-way the desire of the NDF for peace-talk.

The rebels used destructive improvised mines to assure of the fatality of the troops. Two (2) soldiers were reported wounded and ten (10) others were killed. One innocent minor Joven Cabe was also reported murdered who was just swimming in the river banks.

The 8th Infantry Division’s leadership was dismayed with how the rebels take advantage with the command’s abidance of the peace mechanisms being orchestrated in the higher level. It only shows their true intention why peace talk is once again brought out of the picture.

Major General Mario Chan, 8ID’s chief condemns in the strongest possible terms the insincerity of the CPP-NPA-NDF in their demand to engage in peace talk. He also condemns the persistent violation of the terrorist NPA on human rights and international humanitarian law.

“Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) which is both signed by the NDF and our government is totally abused and disrespected. Serious violation of our people’s rights is deemed condemnable in the strongest possible terms,” declares Major General Chan.

It can also be recalled just recently in Las Navas, a pumped boat load of troops with civilians who will attend the Brgy Peace and Order Council (BPOC) of Poponton was mercilessly attacked by these terrorists that resulted to the killing of two (2) civilians including one minor Edwin Gudcad and wounding two (2) others. These were already condemned by the people both locally and internationally.

“I keep on challenging the different human rights advocates who keep on roaring over the violation of people’s rights to condemn this upsurge of human rights violation. Now that they are vulgarly exposed their true colors, my question remain still. Why don’t you bark once more and condemn these brutal godless monsters that mercilessly attacked the defenseless people? Prove now that you are really for the human rights of the people, and not for the rights of these terrorists,” says General Chan.

Major General Chan also said that the Army units in the area will remain committed in their mandate to continuously uphold the Constitutional thrusts despite insincerity of the other party. The 8ID thru their field units is now conducting constant coordination with the PNP to run after the perpetrators and let them face the charges bounded by the law.

“This incident would not make our desire to stop insurgency in the province for the benefit of our people, instead we will continue to pursue these terrorists until finally put an end on their violence,” Chan adds.

“We salute the heroism paid for by our troops who rendered the supreme sacrifice of offering their lives for the true spirit of service, peace and democracy. We bestowed upon them the highest regards that the Armed Forces as well as the people can be best confer. Although it is always sad in our part, our deepest condolences to the love ones left by our comrades-in-arms”” vows General Chan. ###

Government troops find another NPA camp

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Operating elements of 63rd Infantry Battalion discovered an NPA camp at vicinity of Brgy. Bagacay, Palapag, Northern Samar at about 1:00 pm. December 10, 2010.

Lieutenant Colonel Joel Paloma, 63IB commander acted on a report volunteered by the local populace that fully armed CTs are conducting extortion activities in the area. Upon receiving the complaint, he immediately deployed his troops and afterward discovered NPA camp in the outskirt of the barangay that can accommodate more or less 70 Communists Terrorists (CTs) with forty (40) makeshift bunkers, with one (1) comfort room and it has three (3) kitchens.

Base on the data of 8ID, 48 encampments were already discovered by the government troops since August this year. One of this is the main camp of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) and that of National Organization Department (NOD) of the Centarl Committee of the CPP that were discovered in the tri boundaries of three (3) provinces of Samar Island.

According to Major General Mario F Chan, 8ID’s chief, the discovery of said camp is a product of information provided by the local populace who are against the CTs’ harassment, extortion and human rights violations, a clear manifestation that they desire peace and stability in their area.

The government troops still scouring the vicinity to track down the CTs possible location or in areas where they shift as they evade confrontation with the government troops.###

14IB discovers NPA’s war materiel cache

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Various war materiel owned by the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) were recovered by the elements of the Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion in the boundary of Maslog, Eastern Samar and Las Navas, Northern Samar late morning of December 7.

Reports disclosed that the enemy’s war items were safely kept in a concealed haven in the said area that was just revealed through a tip from a knowledgeable civilians.

Recovered items were two (2) improvised landmine, two (2) rifle grenades, three (3) blasting caps, 31 rounds of ammo for K3 (linked), voluminous subversive documents, hand outs in making improvised explosive devices (IED), stethoscope and blood pressure apparatus which are believed to have been kept following the successive discovery/seizure of various enemy camps in Samar by the government troops.

Said items are still in the possession of the operating troops and are being transported to their headquarters for proper disposition.

Still in Northern Samar, two (2) civilians were killed and two also were wounded following a brutal and merciless ambush perpetrated by the terrorist NPA in the periphery of Brgy. Taylor, Las Navas.

The slain civilians were identified as Julie Casio, former Chairman of Brgy Poponton of Las Navas town and Edwin Gudcad, 15 year old, son of the pump boat operator. Winifredo Gudcad and the assistant boatman Leo Impes were wou

Wounded civilian was immediately evacuated to Catubig District Hospital for immediate treatment prior to evacuation to Catarman Provincial Hospital for more intensive medication. Wounded civilian is now under appropriate medication as of press time.

Troops of 63rd and 87th Infantry Battalions and the 3rd Scout Rangers Company are already conducting pursuit operations in order to track down the fleeing terrorists.

63IB is also preparing all of the necessary documents and witnesses for filing of legal charges against the terrorists involved in the said ambush of innocent civilians.

The incident is another NPA’s violation on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRHIL) for targeting unarmed and innocent civilians as what they considered as soft targets.

“This is a total violation of our people’s right and must be condemned in a strongest possible term. This must be looked after by our human rights advocates and sue these terrorist who vehement pursue their bloody ideology. This is the time to work hand in hand against these terrorist. All of us should be united. If we will remain working solitarily against these insurgents, we’ll just allow them to blemish the precious rights of our people,” General Chan says. ###

8ID REMAINS APOLITICAL

Camp General Vicente Lukban: In response to an article written by one Gina Dean-Ragudo published in Samar News.com on 18 November 2010 . In her article, the author wrote the following allegations against personnel and units of the Command: First is against 2LT Eduardo Mendoza of 34th Infantry Battalion under this Command for distributing unsigned letters forcing barangay captains of Paranas, Samar to attend a meeting in Barangay Calapi, Motiong, Samar. Allegedly, the said unsigned letter was expressly directing the said barangay captains to attend an orientation seminar on Integrated Territorial Defense Security System (ITDSS) and to witness some talks initiated by officials of the province on development projects of the barangay to be given by Congresswoman Milagrosa Tan; Second is about the name of Sgt Romeo Paldez also of 34IB who was also maliciously dragged in again distributing the unsigned letters forcing the barangay captains and SK officials of San Jose de Buan, Samar to attend a similar activity; and Lastly, Ms Gina Dean-Ragudo also indicted certain SSg Guillermo Daga of 52IB of allegedly exerted his influence over some CAFGUs and threatened them to be relieved from duty by transferring them to another area if they refuse to support their SK and ABC candidates in the upcoming elections.

In response to the said article, the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army strongly denies all the allegations as written by the author. MGen Mario F Chan, the Commander of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army in his firm statement stated that: “Under my watch, the 8ID remains apolitical and steadfast in its mandate of eradicating the insurgency problem in the area of operations particularly in Samar and Leyte islands to achieve genuine peace and development”.

The 8th Infantry Division has various programs and activities aimed to uplift the well-being of the people in the areas being entrusted to our care. These programs and activities include the Army Literacy Patrol System or ALPS, a national winner of the Literacy Program of the Department of Education benefiting the out-of-school youths and adults illiterates; various medical and dental civic action activities for indigents; Public information Patrol or information awareness among the populace; and the Integrated Territorial Defense Security System (ITDSS) for the barangay populace, among others. These programs and activities are being undertaken in coordination with different stakeholders such as the LGUs, LGAs, NGOs, POs, CSOs, Local Chief Executives irrespective of their political affiliations having that common end of rendering service to our people.

On the allegation of the author, she in fact stated that the alleged letter with the name of 2LT Mendoza that was distributed to the different barangay officials forcibly directing them to attend the ITDSS orientation seminar is unsigned. That being the case, the said letter is in itself an unofficial document that could have been done or made by somebody or anybody with the intention of maligning the 34IB as an organization. While the ITDSS is considered as one of the programs of 34IB, the unit implements it through the spirit of volunteerism by not forcing anybody’s involvement in it if it is against their will and belief. However, since the said program that is aimed to safeguard the barangay from the intrusion of terroristic groups was being conceptualized in the spirit of a bayanihan system that solicit the support of other stakeholders to make it fully work as a system. On the other hand, the alleged involvement of Sgt Romeo Paldez also of 34IB, LTC WILLIAM PENAFIEL JR, the Commanding Officer of the said unit also denies the involvement of his men in any political undertaking. According to him, there is no meeting or assembly related to ITDSS that took place in San Jose de Buan. The headquarters of 34IB is in the heart of San Jose de Buan municipality and if there is any activity related to the programs of 34IB, being the Commander, he is the first one to know. On the allegation that SSg Guillermo Daga of 52IB exerted his influence over some CAFGUs and threatened them to be relieved from duty by transferring them to another area if they refuse to support their SK and ABC candidates in the upcoming elections, is again baseless and unfounded. A mere SSg who is only acting in his capacity as a detachment commander, could not in any manner influence the relief of a CAFGU from his duty considering that CAFGUs are geographical forces aimed to render service in their own locality as prescribed by AFP. Also, the relief of a certain CAFGU from his post or a termination from his duties requires a process and approval from higher headquarters.

While the 8ID stands firm of isolating itself as an organization in politics, it is also a Command policy to get rid of its members who in any manner, committed any acts prejudicial to good order. While we also appreciate the efforts of our friends from the media, we are also calling on them to refrain from publishing such an article that could tarnish the good image of the military as an organization. If indeed they have any legitimate concerns or complaints on the actuations or any infractions committed by our troops, they could present it to us. We will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation on that. We will not tolerate any wrongdoings of our personnel and we assure the people that we are here to serve them, not for the interest of any individuals or groups.

Major General Chan further stressed in his statement, “We have nothing to do with politics. Our business is peace and order of Samar Island. Anyone who will go against peace and order will be subject of our actions as we implement the rule of law. Let us therefore be vigilant and continue to work hand and hand to achieve a genuine peace and ultimately development for the people of this area”. The good General concluded.